The rumors also fail to take a very important opinion into account: Prince William’s. Prince Charles’ firstborn son has never actually said he wants to take the throne early and probably wouldn’t even want the job before his father, barring any unforeseen circumstances. Right now, his focus is on his family. It’s a lot easier to address the needs of his kids than the needs of an entire kingdom. Next, check out 50 things you probably didn’t know about the British royal family.
What is the royal line of succession, how does it work and who is next in line for the throne?
The British royal line of succession is a unique and complicated system that dates back to the 17th century.
While it’s common knowledge that Prince Charles is heir to the throne, many are curious to understand what will happen when the Queen dies? And following a tumultuous few years in the palace, people are still confused as to whether Prince Harry can still be king, despite stepping down from royal duties?
If you want to know more about how the royal line of succession works in the UK, then read on. We answer all your royal succession questions below. Such as who will step in if the Queen abdicates and what the recent change to The Succession to the Crown Act (2013) means for future royal females.
How does the royal line of succession work?
To be considered in line to the throne, you must be a member of the royal family or The Royal Firm as they’re known. Other factors such as legitimacy, religion and sex are also elements than can affect the line of succession.
The original law stated that younger male heirs would be considered for the throne before their older, female siblings. However, in 2013 this changed and now any older female sibling born after 28 October 2011 can be considered first for the throne.
Anyone who does ascend the throne must also be a christian and proud Protestant. However, Roman Catholics are banned from taking the throne by law.
“The Sovereign must, in addition, be in communion with the Church of England and must swear to preserve the established Church of England and the established Church of Scotland,” states the Royal Family website. “The Sovereign must also promise to uphold the Protestant succession.”
Who is next in line for the throne?
The Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, is currently next in line for the throne. This is because he is the first-born child of Queen Elizabeth II. He will become king when his mother, the Queen gives up the throne or dies.
His wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall – who has been married to Charles for 16 years – will become Queen Consort when he takes the throne. The title was confirmed by the Queen herself during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Welcoming the news, Charles said: “We are deeply conscious of the honour represented by my mother’s wish.
“As we have sought together to serve and support Her Majesty and the people of our communities, my darling wife has been my own steadfast support throughout.”
terrified
Though Prince Charles is ‘terrified’ of becoming king, he has already begun planning what the monarchy will look like when head of state.
It’s reported that Charles wants to further reduce Prince Harry and Meghan’s royal roles, as part of a institutional shake-up.
Richard Kay of the Daily Mail explains what this ‘slimmed down monarchy’ will look like:
“Charles’s charitable portfolio is being streamlined for when he is king and this same forensic approach is being applied to how much and what the royal family does in his reign. As it will certainly downsize, it means fewer royals carrying out engagements,” he says.
“So it is against a background of a slimmed down monarchy that the Prince has been developing ideas. About working royals, their titles and how they fit in with his vision of a modern Britain.”
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